EFPIA, the voice of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe, of which the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), is a member, welcomes Mr. Andrew Witty as its new President. Mr. Witty, who is CEO of GlaxoSmithKline, officially took up his post on January 1st, 2010, succeeding outgoing President Arthur J. Higgins, CEO of Bayer HealthCare.
Mr. Witty said: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to represent our industry in Europe at this challenging time, when the policy considerations of healthcare have probably never been more pertinent. I thank Arthur Higgins for the focus he brought to the role of President, and the solid base it provides. As a result of his efforts, we are well prepared for future engagement and cooperation with the new Commission, European Parliament, Member States, patients and other stakeholders.”
He continued; “Europe needs a 21st century approach to healthcare; one that provides access to optimal and equitable quality of care in a manner that is sustainable. We need policies that make this a reality, as well as policies that recognise innovation, equipping us to develop new medicines and therapies that citizens seek.”
Andrew Witty is the Chief Executive Officer of GlaxoSmithKline, a role he assumed in May 2008. Previously he had been GSK’s President, Pharmaceuticals Europe, and has been with the company for 25 years. He has acted as vice-President of EFPIA since 2008.
About IPHA
The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) represents the international research-based pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. Our members include both manufacturers of prescription medicines and non-prescription or consumer health care medicines. Today people in Ireland live longer, healthier and more productive lives, in part, due to medical progress and pharmaceutical innovation. Not only is the pharmaceutical industry critical to the health of the nation, it plays a critical role in the Irish economy employing over 24,500 people, contributing €3 billion in corportaion tax and making up 50% of total exports.
About EFPIA
EFPIA represents the pharmaceutical industry operating in Europe. Through its direct membership of 31 national associations and 40 leading pharmaceutical companies, EFPIA provides the voice of 2,200 companies committed to researching, developing and bringing new medicines to improve health and quality of life around the world.
EFPIA member are committed to delivering innovative medicines to address needs of patients and reducing the burden of chronic diseases for Europe’s ageing population. EFPIA believes in close cooperation with stakeholders to help create sustainable healthcare systems and to develop prompt responses to health threats.
The pharmaceutical sector directly employs some 635,000 people in Europe including 117,000 working in research and development. The industry also generates around three to four times more employment both upstream and downstream. In 2008 the industry generated a substantial trade surplus, estimated at €48 billion, and has contributed significantly to reducing the European Union’s trade deficit in high-tech products. Almost a quarter of the EU’s high-tech exports are pharmaceutical products.
Media Contact
Ronan Collins
Communications Manager, IPHA
+353 – 1 – 6603350
+353 – 87 – 9919107
ronancollins@ipha.ie